News Release

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Man with Fake Gun, Shot and Killed by Police NR10369an

Los Angeles: A man who pointed what appeared to be a handgun at LAPD officers was shot and killed on July 16 in Pacoima. The weapon turned out to be a replica handgun, investigators said.

At around 12:40 a.m., a squad car was called out to investigate a domestic violence disturbance call in the 11900 block of Phillippi Avenue. A woman claimed her estranged boyfriend, later identified as 35-year-old Luciano Reyes, appeared to be intoxicated, was banging on the windows and doors and demanded entry inside the home. Reyes also told the woman he had a gun. The woman called police and waited for help to arrive.

When the officers got to the scene, they saw Reyes standing inside the front yard, behind a wrought iron fence. After Reyes told the officers, he was the one they were looking for; he pointed what appeared to be a handgun at Officers David Hunt and Aareon Jefferson. The officers felt threatened and fired their weapon.

When the officers took cover, Reyes walked around the home, pointed his gun again at additional officers who responded to the scene and positioned themselves across the street. Reyes then walked toward the rear driveway of the home. When he got to the edge of the property near the driveway, officers observed him still holding a handgun. He pointed the gun in the direction of the officers and several officers shot at Reyes.

Officer Hunt has 14 years and nine months with the Department. Officer Jefferson has six months with the Department.

The following responding officers were also involved in the shooting:

Officer Paul Doyle, two years and four months with the Department
Officer Fernando Alonso, one year and six months with the Department
Officer Steven Beumer, 10 years with the Department
Officer Fernando Delatorre, 14 years and nine months with the Department
Officer Melvin Peraza, three years and three months with the Department
Officer Anthony Lopez, one year and three months with the Department
Officer Steven Underwood, one year and 10 months with the Department
Officer Peter Mastrocinque, one year and 10 months with the Department
Officer Donald Boon, 15 years and 10 months with the Department
Officer Eli Villatorochavez, six months with the Department
Officer Cesar Contreras, eight years with the Department
Officer Joseph Cavestany, 14 years and nine months with the Department
Officer Michael Delesdernier, 13 years and two months with the Department